Hate Looks Good on You

Chapter 1: First Blood

The freshman orientation hall smelled like cheap coffee, anxiety, and too many bodies packed into one room. Milo Voss flicked one russet ear in irritation, his fluffy fox tail lashing behind him as he leaned against the back wall with his arms crossed.

This was supposed to be his year.

He'd earned a full ride to Evergreen University for his gaming skills, not to mention three state championships back in high school. The newly formed collegiate esports team had practically begged him to join. And yet, here he was, already pissed off before the first official practice even started.

Because he was here.

Rose Vale.

The sleek black cat stood near the front of the room like he owned the place, arms loosely crossed, green eyes half-lidded in that bored, superior way that made Milo want to bite something. Rose's tail swayed slow and lazy, the tip curling elegantly with every subtle shift of his weight. His dark fur looked almost blue under the fluorescent lights, perfectly groomed as always. Prick.

Milo's ears flattened.

They'd been rivals for two years online and at regional tournaments. Rose had beaten him in the finals of the last major event they both attended. The smug little "better luck next time" he'd tossed over his shoulder afterward still burned in Milo's memory.

Now they were both here. Same team. Same campus. Same damn air.

"Alright, everyone!" Coach Ramirez called out, clapping her hands. "Welcome to the Evergreen Thunder. We've got a strong roster this year. Let me introduce our top two recruits—Milo Voss and Rose Vale."

A few people clapped. Someone whistled.

Milo pushed off the wall and walked forward with a cocky grin, ears perked like he didn't have a care in the world. Rose turned at the same time, and their eyes met.

The air instantly crackled.

Rose's green eyes narrowed. Milo's golden ones flashed with challenge. For a second, neither of them moved, tails twitching in sync.

"Great," Rose muttered under his breath as they stepped up beside each other. "Just what I needed. A loud-mouthed fox cramping my style."

"Missed you too, princess," Milo shot back with a sharp-toothed smirk. "Still hiding behind that pretty face instead of actual skill?"

Rose's ears flicked back, but his expression stayed cool. "At least my face is pretty. Can't say the same for that flea-bitten coat of yours."

A few of the other players chuckled nervously. The rivalry was already legendary in the small competitive furry gaming circle.

Coach Ramirez gave them both a warning look before continuing. "We've got our first team retreat this weekend. Mandatory. We're heading up to the mountain lodge to build chemistry and run some intensive scrims. No excuses."

Milo's stomach dropped.

Retreat. As in... shared cabins. As in, no escaping Rose Vale for three whole days.

He glanced sideways. Rose looked equally displeased, his tail bristling slightly.

After the meeting ended, Milo tried to slip out quickly, but Rose was suddenly in his path, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised.

"Stay out of my way this year, Voss," Rose said, voice low. "I came here to win, not babysit some cocky fox with more ego than talent."

Milo stepped closer, close enough to catch the faint scent of Rose's shampoo—something crisp and cool, like winter mint. It pissed him off how good it smelled.

"You talk a lot of shit for someone who only wins when I'm having an off day," Milo growled, ears pinned. "Try not to cry when I take your spot as team ace, kitty."

Rose's eyes flashed dangerously. For a moment, they were nearly chest to chest, tension thick enough to taste.

Then Rose smiled — slow, sharp, and far too attractive for Milo's liking.

"We'll see about that," he purred, the sound sending an unwelcome shiver down Milo's spine. "Try to keep up."

Rose brushed past him, tail deliberately flicking against Milo's leg as he walked away.

Milo stood there, heart hammering harder than it had any right to, fists clenched at his sides.

This is going to be a long fucking year.

End of Chapter 1